Why understanding manual handling is so important

Almost every job involves some form of manual handling. While some manual handling tasks are more strenuous than others, the lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling or carrying of items requires a clear understanding of manual handling and all the techniques that make safe manual handling possible. In this blog post, we explore why manual handling is so important in the modern-day workplace.

Prevent physical injuries

Poor manual handling poses several risks to your health and wellbeing. Whether the manual handling tasks you take on are heavy or light, or you are affected by an existing or previous injury, the repetitive movements and postures associated with manual handling have to be controlled to reduce risk.

Cuts, bruises, sprains, broken bones, tears, muscle strain, joint injuries, back pain, work-related musculoskeletal disorders, and occupational overuse syndrome (OOS) can all be caused by poor manual handling.

Avoid time off work

A physical injury or health condition caused by a poor understanding of manual handling will ultimately lead to time off work. In addition to affecting the individual who has sustained the injury both financially and emotionally, a diminished workforce has a negative impact on productivity and morale company-wide.

Reduce mental health issues

Sustaining an injury or illness as a result of poor manual handling can have a detrimental effect on an individual’s mental wellbeing, especially if they are impacted for the long term. The stress and strain of injury along with the prospect of being out of work for a prolonged period of time can cause or exacerbate stress, depression and anxiety.

Keep company productivity high

As we touched on briefly earlier, the impact of poor manual handling has a more widespread effect on the workforce than many people think. Productivity and morale can both be negatively affected by continuous absences or reduced staff retention.

Abide to the latest laws and legislation

As an employer, it is your responsibility to safeguard workers from injury as much as possible. This includes providing them with the knowledge and training they need to conduct their job roles safely and with minimal risk of injury.

In accordance to the latest Manual Handling Operations Regulations, all UK employers must ‘avoid, assess and reduce the risk of injury from manual handling’.

By avoiding hazardous practices through the use of good handling techniques and appropriate mechanical aids, workers can be protected, injuries can be avoided and the working day can go ahead as planned.